Determinants of mastectomy in breast conservation therapy candidates.

BACKGROUND: Although underused, breast conservation therapy (BCT) is an accepted method for treatment of noninvasive and early breast cancer. The purpose of this analysis was to identify factors associated with receiving mastectomy when eligible for BCT. METHODS: From a recent experience, 397 patients at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center presented with clinical stage 0, I, or II breast cancer. Demographics and tumor characteristics of patients who underwent BCT versus mastectomy were compared. RESULTS: Of 293 BCT candidates, 203 patients (69%) underwent BCT and 90 patients (31%) received a mastectomy. Of those 90 patients, 66 patients (73%) had documented concerns about receiving BCT. Multivariate analyses showed that widow status was a factor associated with receiving mastectomy at presentation (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of BCT candidates with early stage breast cancer undergo BCT. In our study, widow status was a predictive factor of mastectomy in BCT candidates.

Factors associated with the process of adaptation among Pakistani adolescent females living in United States.

This study explored post-migration experiences of recently migrated Pakistani Muslim adolescent females residing in the United States. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty Pakistani Muslim adolescent females between the ages of 15 and 18 years living with their families in Houston, Texas. Data obtained from the interviews were evaluated using discourse analysis to identify major reoccurring themes. Participants discussed factors associated with the process of adaptation to the American culture. The results revealed that the main factors associated with adaptation process included positive motivation for migration, family bonding, social support networks, inter-familial communication, aspiration of adolescents to learn other cultures, availability of English-as-second-language programs, participation in community rebuilding activities, and faith practices, English proficiency, peer pressure, and inter-generational conflicts. This study provided much needed information on factors associated with adaptation process of Pakistani Muslim adolescent females in the United States. The results have important implications for improving the adaptation process of this group and offer potential directions for intervention and counseling services.

Pakistani Ismaili Muslim adolescent females living in the United States of America: stresses associated with the process of adaptation to U.S. Culture.

This study examines correlates of sociopsychological post-migration depression in Pakistani Ismaili Muslim adolescent females residing in the United States using quantitative information obtained through a questionnaire. Analysis of the questionnaire included descriptive statistics, Pearson product moment correlation coefficients, and multiple regression to describe a final model of risk factors related to depression in these adolescents. Longer periods of stay in the United States, young age at migration, and speaking more English were associated with low sociopsychological stress scores. Adolescents who reported a longer period of stay in the United States and lower levels of sociopsychological stress were less likely to be depressed.